A house collapsed due to heavy rain and flooding in the Parque Burnier neighborhood of Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais state, Brazil, on February 25, 2026. Photo: AP

In South America, heavy rains began on the night of February 24th, causing severe flooding, collapsing many homes, and disrupting transportation and education in many areas. Rescue teams continue searching for missing victims. According to local officials, 15 people remain missing, more than 230 have been rescued, and 5,500 have been evacuated.

Deaths have been recorded mainly in the cities of Juiz de Fora and Ubá, about 310 km north of Rio de Janeiro. Authorities in Juiz de Fora have declared a public disaster and are organizing evacuations in high-risk areas.

The Brazilian Ministry of Regional Integration and Development announced the allocation of approximately $660,000 to affected areas to clear roads, restore infrastructure, and distribute food. During his inspection of the affected area, Minister Waldez Goés affirmed that the Federal Government would mobilize all available technology, equipment, and resources to support the local area.

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva had previously stated that security forces had been deployed for rescue and humanitarian relief efforts. The Brazilian National Meteorological Institute (Inmet) warned that heavy rains could continue, increasing the risk of power outages and flash floods.

Experts believe that extreme weather events are becoming increasingly frequent due to climate change. Previously, the historic floods in Rio Grande do Sul state in May 2024 killed at least 185 people and caused significant economic damage.